An effort that helps eligible taxpayers file their taxes for free in order to receive the hard-earned money they’re due in tax refunds and tax credits saw one of its largest years this past tax season. Led locally by United Way of Rhode Island, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program helped to put $21,039,372 back into the pockets of working Rhode Islanders.

“VITA is a significant part of our economic empowerment work that not only enables thousands of our neighbors to keep more of their hard-earned money, but also provides a financial boost that helps them immediately,” said Cortney Nicolato, United Way’s president and CEO. “The reach of VITA and the direct impact it has on our families and the state’s economy cannot be overstated. And it’s a program that wouldn’t be possible without our community partners.”

In total, VITA this year saw 19,608 federal and state tax returns prepared and filed at no cost here in Rhode Island. The figure of more than $21 million represents the value of the tax refunds and tax credits claimed, and the value of the preparation and filing services provided to eligible, benefiting taxpayers.

“This is all about strengthening the financial stability of our fellow Rhode Islanders,” said Zoya Tseytlin, United Way’s program officer for Workforce Development and Economic Mobility. “Thousands of our working neighbors are cost-burdened and just an unexpected home repair or medical expense away from not being able to afford a basic need. VITA is a win for everybody.”

Supported by Citizens Bank and Centreville Bank in partnership with United Way, VITA is for working people and families earning $60,000 or less annually. It was offered at 25 sites across Rhode Island with each staffed by IRS-trained and certified volunteers who offered services in English and Spanish. More than 220 volunteers provided 40+ hours of service each, with all being versed in the importance of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC).

The EITC is considered one of the nation’s largest anti-poverty program and designed to bolster the earnings of low-wage workers and offset some of the taxes they pay. Together with the CTC, the credits reduce tax burden and often lead to a larger tax refund, providing opportunity for Rhode Islanders to move from poverty toward economic security.